The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that more state governors and lawmakers will join the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election to strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Yilwatda made the comment during the 12th expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the APC in Bayelsa state, where the party endorsed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for 2027.
Represented by Emma Eneukwu, APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Yilwatda said the president’s performance in governance is drawing opposition figures to the ruling party.
His words: “More governors and lawmakers are still on their way to our party because of the calibre, integrity, and achievements of the president.
“Our doors are wide open to accommodate those willing to join hands with us to move Nigeria forward.”
He cited the recent defections of Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, and Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC as proof of Tinubu’s growing influence.
Yilwatda urged members of the party in Bayelsa to remain united ahead of 2027.
He said: “Other parties may make noise, but when you have a lion, it does not bother about barking dogs, it focuses on its mission.
“That is what President Tinubu is doing: taking the bull by the horns where others lacked the political will.”
The APC chairman said the South-South had demonstrated “political maturity” by aligning with the ruling party, adding that leaders across the South-South and South-East were defecting in support of Tinubu’s vision.
“From the South-South to the South-East, leaders are making realistic decisions.
“They are leaving their parties to back the president because they have seen his determination to take Nigeria to greater heights,” he stated.